1. How did your interest in buildings and architecture begin?
My grandfather was a builder and he had a huge influence on me. I used to spend a lot of time on sites as a kid and I just loved being around buildings and all of the atmosphere and banter that went on on-site. I used to love drawing and sketching buildings too so when I started to think about 'what I wanted to be when I grew up' becoming an architect was the natural choice. I made this decision at 12 years old and never looked back.
2. Do you have a favourite building, either in the UK or abroad?
The problem with having such a passion for architecture is that I have lots of favourite buildings. But, one building that had a huge effect on me as a kid, and still does today, is Durham Cathedral. It still amazes me that something so beautiful could be built 1000 years ago and still looks incredible today.
3. Where do you get your inspiration from when undertaking restoration work?
It’s difficult to pinpoint one source of inspiration as I find that I incorporate so many aspects of everyday life into my work. The natural surroundings of the building play animportant role in the external work we apply to a project, and the previous history of the building is obviously crucial in understanding how it can be updated without losing its past.
4. Why did you decide to team up with City & Country Group?
I’ve been watching City & Country's work for a while and have been really impressed with the team’s conscientious approach to preserving each original architectural feature, and the high quality results this achieves. I feel there is a definite synergy between the company’s values and my own, as they always strive to design beautiful buildings that still respect their former use, and this is something I think is very important. With many of our important historic buildings falling into disrepair, the restoration work that City & Country do is so important and I’m really pleased to be working with them.
5. Can you tell us any details of your next project?
Where do you want me to start? I'm making series 2 and 3 of Restoration Man at the moment so we have around 12 projects going on at the same time. As I'm writing this I'm on a train to Kent to restore a beautiful last house for series 2. I'm also making a big campaigning series for channel 4 about the scandal of empty homes across Britain, which will be on your screens in December. My new company, George Clarke + Partners, continues to design , build and develop homes all of the world. We are also looking at a number of great opportunities for me to develop this year with the City & Country team, which I'm very, very excited about.
6. How do you know whether a building has the potential to be restored, rather than knocked down?
People are often quick to write-off period buildings as too difficult to do anything with, and many are afraid of the Grade Listing system, which can restrict proposed design plans. These people don’t realise the range of options available to them when working with such a historic site, and the incredible opportunity that old buildings present for us to creatively weave our culture with that of the past. I personally believe demolition should always be the last resort option, as buildings often have great cultural and social significance in their local community as well as the wider architectural industry. The loss of a building usually means the loss of a communal narrative and treasured architectural features as well. There are many important factors to take into consideration, including financial costs and the probability of achieving a good end result, but if you have any kind of doubt as to the effect of knocking down a building, I think you should look to restore instead.
7. What is your favourite architectural style? (Victorian, Georgian etc)
Tough question! If I really had to make the choice I love Georgian Architecture because of the proportion and scale of the rooms
8. Do any other architects or designers inspire you?
I love the design talent we have in Britain. I'm a huge fan of Sir Terrence Conran who is not only a brilliant designer, but an inspiring entrepreneur. Sir Paul Smith, Sir James Dyson and the architect Richard Rogers have also been a big influence and are the best of British. Outside of the UK I'd have to say the architects Charles and Ray Eames, but also Steve Jobs and Jonathan Ive at Apple Inc. Now there is a couple of guys who have really have changed the world.
9. Is there a ‘jackpot feature’ you can find when restoring a building; a feature that you know is particularly special?
An old beautiful hidden fireplace that has been covered up and preserved by a false wall put up in the 60's.
10. If money was no object, what building would you most like to renovate, and what would you do with it?
I'd love to restore the Eames House in California designed by Charles and Ray Eames. It is in desperate need of restoration and I'd love to bring it back to its former glory. I'd then move into it forever!
11. What would you say is the most important thing to bear in mind when carrying out restoration work?
I think it is easy to think solely about the financial profit that restoration work often generates. A far more important thing to think about however is the story that the finished building will tell. Instead of rushing in with the latest trends and gadgets, you need to think about the history of the building that needs to be retained. The worst thing an architect can do is restore an old building in a way that completely disregards its former use, as the genuine character is lost and it becomes just another contemporary structure.
12. What would you say is the definition of successful restoration work?
In my eyes, the most successful examples of restoration work are those that look like they really fit with the original building. Even if two completely contrasting styles have been brought together, such as the period features and modern décor at City & Country’s sites for example, they should look like they flow seamlessly into one another and create a fresh building upon which a new cultural history can be imprinted.
13. What is your favourite room in your home and why?
I've just created a new 1100sq ft basement under my old Edwardian house. It's incredible. What was once mud is now space! I dug out the garden too and created an underground studio flooded with natural light. The garden went back on top. My studio is my favourite room. I can hide from the world while I'm working.
14. Describe your typical working day
Ha! I don't have a typical working day. I don't think any one day is the same in my world.
15. How do you like to relax at the end of a long day at work?
Hanging out with my family and my kids. Normally with a big glass of wine in my hand.
16. What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love architecture so it isn't really work for me. Honestly, it is a way of life and I'm pretty much absorbed in it. But, to completely switch off I try and go on holidays as much as possible. I love travelling. I'm a bit of a photography geek too. God I sound dull!
17. If you weren’t an architect, what career do you think you would be in now?
To be honest, I really can’t imagine myself in any other career. My passion for buildings and architecture is such that I’ve always been headed for this industry. Maybe a photographer.
18. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Time-keeping, sticking to budget and remaining detached enough to know what is best for the building rather than best for your taste are the most difficult aspects, but once you recognise this, it is easier to keep yourself in check.
19. What has been the most challenging project you have been involved with?
Every one of them is a challenge. This ain't an easy job.
20. What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
I take my work great pride in my work and make sure that each project is completed to as high a standard as the one before. The fact that the work is so hands-on makes it difficult to not feel a sense of attachment to each project, so it would be near impossible for me to choose one that I consider my best. That said I tend to feel the most proud of the buildings that have been the most challenging. So restoring my own home and being able to enjoy it with my family is probably my own personal achievement to date. Architecture really is life changing stuff and I can see how creating a great home has had such a huge effect on my kids.
21. Can you give any advice to those looking to get involved in restoration work?
The restoration business is a demanding industry but one that can also be extremely rewarding - as long as you’re prepared to put in the effort. My advice for budding restoration men and women would be to get your head into as many architecture books as you can find, to really learn the differences between architectural styles and what they say about the era in which they were used. This kind of knowledge will give you a solid base from which you will be able to make important decisions about the value of each architectural feature. An apprenticeship or work placement in a building or construction company would also be extremely valuable, as without key building skills you are resigning yourself to a more detached project manager role.